MAC Matters: Building a Core MAC Collection with (less than) $21 a Month! June 2013

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It is time for my monthly MAC Matters update!!!

This series was born when I realized that I could build up a great MAC Core Collection with (less than) the cost of my most expensive monthly beauty sample subscription. So, I cancelled said subscription and put my theory to the test!

For me, this MAC Matters Challenge is just a fun experiment to help me curb some of my beauty spending. I find that I am spending very wisely when MAC shopping for this challenge. Plus, the items that I have purchased are things that I truly love! No matter what your stance is on beauty boxes, a well researched purchase of a needed makeup item is always a good idea. If beauty box samples are just cluttering up your makeup drawers, then you might consider this challenge! :) I think you will be thrilled with what you can do with an average of $21 a month at MAC (or any of your favorite brands)!

A few other amazing bloggers like Quinn from Mama Fashionista and Rachel from Rachel Makeup & Skincare have joined me in this challenge! Be sure to visit their links to see how they are doing on this challenge! :)  Join if you like! I just ask that you link back to me in your post as the creator of this challenge. :)

The Challenge Rules:

Build a MAC Collection using an average of $21.00 per month:

• Purchase at least one item a month: If the item is under $20, save the remainder for the next month. While there are many items priced under $20, there are plenty that are over the $20 range that can be "saved" for. 
• Do a monthly blog posts for one year to share what you get. Lets see what kind of core collections we can build in a years time! 
• To coordinate with my "Build a Core MAC Collection" purchases, I will also be posting "MAC Matters: From the Stash" reviews! These "stash" items are MAC items that I love that are already in my makeup collection. Some months, I will be "saving" my $21 to go towards a bigger MAC purchase. This is when you will most likely see the "stash" posts. Or, I might include a "stash" item mini review within my "Build a Core MAC Collection" posts because if you are reading this because you want to build your own MAC collection, you might enjoy reading about what I am already using and loving! 
• If this series is popular, I will repeat the series with another brand upon completion of 12 months with MAC. 
• If you decide to join this challenge: Please be sure to include a link back to my blog in your post crediting me as the creator of this challenge! :) Also, feel free to send me your links to your MAC Matters posts that I can include in my monthly postings.  
• Note: You do not have to cancel your monthly beauty sample subscription to join in! You can certainly do this challenge *in addition* to being a beauty sample subscriber! The whole point is just to see what you can do with *the same* amount of money that you might spend on a $20 monthly beauty box. :) 

If you missed my previous MAC Matters Challenges, please check them out here:  Be sure to check out: MAC Matters: Building a Core MAC Collection with $21 a Month (Intro Post), MAC Matters November 2012,  MAC Matters December 2012 , January 2013 MAC Matters, February 2013 MAC Matters Challenge, March 2013 MAC Matters Challenge, April 2013 MAC Matters Challenge, and May 2013 MAC Matters Challenge. 

Find out what I got this month, June 2013, by clicking "read more" below!

This month, I opted for a "classic" MAC item! I purchased a MAC lipgloss! To me, MAC is absolutely known for their lip products. Actually, years and years ago, when I made my very first MAC purchase, it was a clear MAC Lipglass!!! So, needless to say, MAC's lipglosses were my inital draw to the brand! I actually used to "collect" them. For awhile, my MAC Lipgloss collection was quite extensive! While I still love MAC lipglosses, I have really branched out to other brands as well. :) What was your first MAC purchase?

MAC's Cremesheen Glass in Fashion Whim:
For my purchase, I decided upon MAC's Cremesheen Glass in Fashion Whim as I really have been needing a good "classic" slightly pink nude lipgloss that I can wear "everyday". A nude lip is not only one of my favorite lip looks! I always like to play-up my eyes. So, a nude lip balances that very nicely. This lipgloss mutes out my lips nicely while leaving them shiny and moisturized. I adore the somewhat hydrating feel of this lipgloss. It is certainly less sticky than other MAC gloss formulations. Actually, like the name implies, this lipgloss does have a bit of a creamy feel. This soft milky shade is just the perfect nude! This lipgloss is great on its own or it can be layered nicely over lipstick. :) Plus, I love the vanilla scent and the beautiful sleek packaging!!! This lipgloss is a great reminder of how much I really do love MAC lipglosses!

My MAC Matters Challenge Purchase Breakdown:

Remainder from previous month: $7.48

May Allowance: $21.00

Total Available to Spend in May: $28.48
Purchase: $20.00

Remainder for Next Month (to carry over): $8.48

My Cumulative MAC Matters Core Collection: 

Now this is the fun part, ya'll!!! Lets take a look at what I have collected since starting this challenge!!! :) I totally love and adore everything that I have gotten so far!!!

November 2012: MAC Syrup Lipstick

December 2012: MAC Well Dressed Blush

January 2013: MAC 4 Pan Shadow Palette

and MAC Pan Eye Shadow in White Frost

February 2013: MAC Pro Pan Eyeshadows in Satin Taupe and Embark

March 2013: MAC Pro Pan Eyeshadow in Jest

April 2013: MAC Pressed Pigment in Light Touch

May 2013: MAC Highlighter in Radiant Rose
June 2013: MAC Cremesheen Glass in Fashion Whim

Check out some of my all-time favorite products from MAC:

Be sure to check out my fellow bloggers who have joined in the Challenge! Here are some links! :) Quinn from Mama Fashionista  (fellow MABB, BBC, and Blogazon girl!) and fellow Blogazon Rachael from Rachael Makeup and Skincare.

I just love my new MAC Cremesheen Glass in Fashion Whim! I think a fabulous nude lipgloss is a great addition to any makeup collection! :)

Any recommendations for my next MAC Matters Challenge? I am actually thinking of picking up a skincare item. Hmm...or maybe I should start creating another eyeshadow quad? Or a blush palette??? Decisions, decision! ;)

This MAC Matters Challenge is so fun! Thank you so much for following me along on this journey! As always, thanks for reading!

Note: I am moving house next month! So, I am taking a couple weeks off of blogging to get settled into my new home. You will see some guest posts during those couple weeks on my blog. Also, I am taking the month off from the MAC Matters Challenge. My MAC Matters challenge will resume in August. :) 

XOXO!!!